Challenges of mothers in the BPO industry switching to freelancing

 Transitioning from a BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) job to becoming a freelance virtual assistant can be both exciting and challenging, particularly for mothers. I myself have personally experienced it firsthand. Here are some of the potential challenges they might face: 

👪 Work-life balance: Freelancing often provides more flexibility in terms of working hours, but it can also blur the lines between work and personal life. Finding the right balance between work and family responsibilities can be challenging, especially for mothers who have to manage household tasks and take care of their children. There are also freelancers who are getting tempted to work more as they start earning more. 

💰 Income stability: BPO jobs typically offer a stable salary, while freelancing can be more unpredictable. Freelance virtual assistants might experience fluctuations in income, especially during the initial phase of building their client base. You should always have a backup plan. Especially, if you are the breadwinner. It's also very important to manage your finances and build an emergency fund. So, if things go south, you still have enough funds to support and sustain your family's needs. 

😉 Client acquisition: Finding and securing clients can be a significant challenge, especially in the competitive freelance market. Mothers transitioning from a BPO might not have prior experience in marketing themselves as independent freelancers, which can make it harder to attract potential clients. This is why I prefer working under an outsourcing agency. I don't want to get stressed chasing for clients. 

🤔 Skill diversification: While BPO jobs often focus on specific tasks or processes, virtual assistants need to be versatile and offer a wide range of skills to cater to various client needs. Mothers might need to learn new skills or adapt their existing ones to meet the demands of the virtual assistant role. Hence, it is very important to become resourceful and get used to self training. This is not just for mothers, by the way. It applies to everyone.

🏢 Isolation and lack of support: Freelancing can be a solitary profession, especially if one is used to working in a team environment in a BPO. Mothers might miss the camaraderie and support they had in a traditional office setting. Luckily, it's never been a challenge for me as I'm introvert.

⏰ Time management: Working as a freelance virtual assistant requires excellent time management skills. Without a structured work environment, it can be challenging for mothers to allocate time effectively to complete tasks, especially when juggling family responsibilities. Perhaps, you can utilize tools like Google Calendar and such. However, an actual weekly planner works best for me. I'm used to writing things, from schedule to my "to do list", etc. I highlight tasks that have been delivered already which I find satisfying each and every time. LOL

🤙 Client communication and expectations: Interacting with clients, understanding their needs, and managing their expectations are essential aspects of freelancing. Mothers transitioning from a BPO may find it challenging to navigate client relationships and negotiate terms effectively. It's best to also set client's expectations and boundaries.

📱 Technological challenges: Working as a virtual assistant requires proficiency in various online tools and platforms. Mothers may encounter technical difficulties or need to invest time in learning new technologies to perform their virtual assistant tasks efficiently. You no longer have support from ITs. Hence, you have to learn how to do things on your own.

💗 Self-discipline and motivation: Freelancers must be self-motivated to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks without direct supervision. Mothers transitioning from a BPO might need to develop a strong sense of self-discipline to maintain their productivity and meet their commitments. Having a dream board works for me. I have it right next to my computer to remind me of our goals and such. 

✍ Workload management: As freelancers, virtual assistants often have control over their workload. However, this can lead to overcommitting or struggling to say no to additional tasks, which can lead to burnout and exhaustion for mothers who are already balancing family responsibilities. Time blocking is very important.

Despite the challenges, transitioning from a BPO to a freelance virtual assistant can also offer mothers numerous benefits, such as increased flexibility, the ability to choose clients and projects, and the potential to work from home. By being aware of the challenges and taking proactive steps to address them, mothers can enhance their chances of a successful and fulfilling transition.

I've been working as a freelancer since 2019 and I'm never going back.

Best decision ever!!! 🙋